BRS Hobbies
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Anyone know of a balsa filler that also adds some hardness? I figured it would come in handy for balsa nose cones and fins.
I always use thin CA on my balsa noses, in some combination with wood filler and filler/primer.
I don't normally use CA on nose cones.@hcmbanjo appears to be consistent in his thinned CWF first, then sand down and finally soak with thin CA:
https://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2013/09/semroc-cherokee-d-build-part-5-nose.htmlhttps://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2018/05/estes-mini-heli-007272-build-part-15.html
Many others if you search the site.
I might do thin CA first so it can soak into the grain more and harden it to a greater depth, then sand that and off to whatever makes sense to me that day as far as primer, filler, and filler-primer.
Sounds good but I'm curious as to what type of epoxy you use. And of course, at the same time the heat is softening it, it's kicking it as well. Any time constraints that way?Warmed epoxy works great for this. Mix up a batch then set the mixed cup in hot water for a few minutes. Next break out the hair dryer / heat gun and want up the parts.
Brush on a coat of epoxy then use the heat gun again to level it. Wait about 5 mins for it to soak in then do a second coat. Be sure to use heat at the end of each step to level the epoxy.
The fins will be very stiff afterward and little to no sanding will be required to make them smooth. You might need to knock off a couple of bumps here and there but that is easy with some 400 grit. An added benefit is that the fins are now waterproof.
Sounds good but I'm curious as to what type of epoxy you use. And of course, at the same time the heat is softening it, it's kicking it as well. Any time constraints that way?
I replied further up the thread....How about good ole Dope?
Time to get "Sniffing" old school style. A little dopey but really works well. Fast dry, strengthens, easy to sand and great results. Learn the ways of proper thinning and old world craftsmanship. Take a giant leap back to the 20th Century.I replied further up the thread....
Oh, wait, you mean that butyrate base hot fuel proof stuff with the fumes? Got two jars in the drawer, when I learned about CWF as a n00b BAR, we'll, they're still sitting there in the drawer!
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